Garden party: how to decorate and style outside areas at venues for summer wedding ceremonies and outdoor receptions

From festoon lighting and floral archways to big Jenga and beer baths, we’re so all set for the alfresco weddings of 2022. As summer months approaches, Scottish venue stylists share how most effective to set the scene for marrying and celebrating outdoor, no make any difference the venue

Phrases by Claire Muir

Outdoor weddings are on the rise. They appear to suit genuinely well with the kind of laid-back again, rustic, pure vibe so a lot of of us want when we tie the knot. But it’s not just the ceremonies that are staying held in the open up air: “I think we’ll be viewing a great deal of partners bringing their drinks receptions and night enjoyment outdoors this calendar year as very well,” predicts Rhubekka Smith, founder of Ayrshire-primarily based A person Wonderful Day Events, which she runs with her business husband or wife Kirsty MacPhie. “Outdoor seating areas are on the raise, also. Partners want these to glimpse just as pleasant as their indoor decor, so they’re giving rugs, blankets and pillows, and considerably much more.”

At gatherings experts Get Knotted, Katie Hart has found a surge in bookings for firepits: “Seeing relatives and mates, generally following lengthy durations aside, is what seriously matters to a lot of of our couples, so coming with each other around the firepit at the finish of the night is really unique,” she suggests. “And how about processing as a result of a tunnel of sparklers as newlyweds, then heading about to the firepit to toast marshmallows?”

Dreamy firepit scenes apart, although, just how simple is an out of doors marriage ceremony in Scotland wherever all people appreciates that even in the top of summer, there’s a legitimate likelihood of the skies opening? “I normally say there has to be a Plan B…B for brolly,” laughs Katie. “You ought to often have a contingency room for a very last-moment move indoors.”

Outdoor protected places are a further option, but if the temperature definitely is not going to play ball, you could generally basically carry the outdoors in: imagine vegetation, foliage, sparkly lights and rustic props created from natural elements.

Let us get artistic

There are so many methods to incorporate props that appear incredible towards the backdrop of stunning Scotland – and it all commences with giving your visitors a warm welcome. “Signage that hints at the decor to occur is a beautiful way to introduce the colour palette and general type of the working day ahead,” suggests Katie. “Flowery information and private touches function effectively here.”

Beautifying the ceremony starts with embracing and enhancing your environment. “This can be completed in the most effortless way,” Rhubekka assures us. “A very simple arch at the conclude of the aisle will body the outside room. Then include flowers and foliage, smooth drapes or both. Applying chopped logs to mark out the aisle is always a winner, and it could be adorned utilizing freestanding candles, jars with refreshing flowers or foliage, or lanterns with tealights. The prospects are infinite.”

An alfresco beverages reception to recall

Submit-ceremony, it’s all about celebrating your newlywed standing, and there are so numerous innovative concepts for turning ‘just a bar’ into a trendy celebration room, primarily when you make use of the outside attributes – basically hanging a number of lanterns from the trees instantaneously dials up the romantic vibes, for instance.

In the meantime, personalised drinks stations appear to be to have a new lease of lifestyle when positioned outdoors: “Prosecco ladders, gin bars, beer baths… You name it, it can be done – and styled to be exceptional to just about every pair,” guarantees Rhubekka.

BYOB? Employ the service of a funky bathtub, fill it with ice and you have a cool and very outdoor storage place for chilly beers and chilled prosecco – in addition it is a excellent picture opportunity. Crates occur in handy in this article, as well. Set up them any way you like to shop bottles, eyeglasses and garnishes, then weave in some foliage or bouquets. Simply just leading off with quirky signage to get your visitors smiling.

Personalised decor can truly make effect at the drinks reception, and it is guaranteed to get people today chatting. We’re imagining a ladder show with photographic reminiscences or bottles of your fave tipples, all dressed with fairylights, candles and bouquets.

Persuade the signing of the guestbook by setting up a properly styled location. If you’re trend-led, Polaroid guestbooks are scorching right now. If you have a ceremony arch, Rhubekka implies working with it to supply the backdrop for Polaroid selfies and presenting enjoyment props, special to you as a couple: “This can be effortlessly set up working with a huge trestle desk or by making up crates and logs. Pens for signing can be stored in hessian-wrapped jars, and friends can pop playing cards into a vintage suitcase.”

How about a back garden video game or two to retain everybody entertained until it is time to eat? “We have a giant handmade snakes and ladders and draughts board with accompanying counters, as well as huge Jenga,” states Rhubekka. “You could go common and add in a number of Scottish online games, this kind of as toss the caber or, extra realistically, fling the welly!”

Dare to dine in the outdoors

You could be sceptical, but Rhubekka argues that an out of doors marriage breakfast in Scotland is 100% doable – if the weather conditions disorders are correct. She recommends working with trestle tables and wooden chairs, adorned to suit the venue and place.

“We enjoy a hessian or straightforward eucalyptus runner,” she says. “If you want to spotlight desk names or themes, we can elevate items on our wooden discs. Use subtle centrepieces, like brass candlesticks and floating candle jars, or go much more elaborate with bespoke merchandise, this kind of as classic textbooks and bird cages.”

At Get Knotted, Katie cautions partners about the importance of possessing a backup prepare and suggests eating outdoors – but below deal with: “Awnings, carefully illuminated with festoon lights, are a fantastic way to stop a soggy supper. It is also a clever foundation for passionate lighting and overhead decoration.”

Dancing in the darkish

What could be far more romantic than a 1st dance below the stars? And, obviously, there are hundreds of solutions for statement styling as night comes. 1st, set the scene with lights – but do consider carefully about the year and when dusk will slide.

“Fairylight walls, canopies and festoon lights all look remarkable. For a far more finances-welcoming alternative, employ the service of battery-run wire lights, which however make an effect based on the room. And actual candles are an absolute should – the extra the better!” endorses Alice Edwards at The Tiny Dressing Co.

Next up, she implies placing collectively a cosy, candlelit drawing area on the lawn: “A boho seating region is always a welcome sight when feet get fatigued. Dress it with blankets, cushions, throws and rugs, together with a desk on which to relaxation your glass.”

Complete off the location with hampers crammed with goodies such as flip-flops, and special stations with adorable signage. “Our sparkler and blanket stations are fantastic for a Scottish summertime evening,” suggests Alice. “Throw in our umbrella station just in scenario – it is Scotland, following all!”

Minimal ones however huge awake? Make a sheltered wee nook in nature for them to draw, engage in games and eat cake – just use crates as minimal tables with a pile of cushions to sit on.

A little bit on a spending budget

Article-pandemic, staying on price range is far more related than at any time and some couples may well be asking yourself if an out of doors established-up could establish far too highly-priced. But it is very the reverse, in accordance to the stylists – alfresco decor is all about remaining very simple nonetheless eye-catching.

For major charge-chopping, Alice advocates the ‘less is more’ strategy: “Focus on a minimized quantity of props that give the greatest effects. Feel signage, a person or two stations, backyard game titles and sparklers. Self-styling is also an solution. Couples can acquire from our warehouse alternatively than opting for supply and pickup.”

At the other close of the spectrum, Katie’s most elaborate outdoor established-up was an personal orchard wedding: “Real-flame pole torches lit the way up a misty mountain for a January ceremony with the bride in a velvet cloak and wellies. We positioned straw bales, woollen blankets and lots of lanterns in the forest for a passionate ceremony. So, if your price range can extend to your aspiration outside ceremony and acquiring a approach B, go for it!”